ECU's Chris Ferguson Headed To Oklahoma State

Stillwater, Okla. - Chris Ferguson, a college basketball coach for more than two decades, has been hired as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State, head coach Sean Sutton announced today. “Chris was our number one choice from the start,” Sutton said. “We felt like he was the perfect fit for our staff. He brings great experience, and obviously his success speaks for itself. He’s worked for a lot of tremendous coaches throughout his career, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with him.”

Ferguson comes to OSU from East Carolina, where he spent the past two seasons on the Pirates coaching staff. He had been promoted to associate head coach this past summer.

“I am very excited to join the Cowboy Basketball program,” Ferguson said. “When I went to Stillwater, I met Coach (Mike) Holder. I think his plans are excellent, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the future of OSU Athletics. I’ve known Sean (Sutton), James (Dickey), Kyle (Keller) and Mike (Hatch) for quite some time, and they’re very professional.

“I’ve heard from everybody across the country that Gallagher-Iba Arena is the toughest place to play in the Big 12. I’ve been in this business for 20 years, and I’ve never been a part of that, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Ferguson joined the ECU staff in 2005 following an eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Volunteers dating back to the 1997-98 season. In his eight seasons in Knoxville, he helped lead the Vols to an impressive run of six consecutive post-season appearances, including four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 1998-2001. He was the associate head coach his final two seasons in Knoxville.

While at Tennessee, Ferguson coached several future NBA players, including Marcus Haislip and Vincent Yarborough, who were both drafted in the 2002 NBA draft. Chris Lofton, a probable future NBA draft pick, played under Ferguson as well.

Prior to arriving at Tennessee, Ferguson spent six years on Bill Foster’s staff at Virginia Tech. While in Blacksburg, he played a key role in helping guide the Hokies to 63 victories in his last three seasons, including a 23-6 mark in 1995-96 which earned Virginia Tech an NCAA Tournament appearance. A year earlier, the Hokies produced a school-record 25 wins and an NIT title.

Ferguson earned his first collegiate position in 1986 at UNC-Asheville, serving a one-year stint on the Bulldogs’ staff before moving to Appalachian State. From 1987-91, he worked under former Eddie Sutton assistant Tom Apke.

A four year-year basketball letterman, Ferguson earned a pair of letters at both Central Wesleyan (S.C.) College and Cumberland (Ky.) College while leading both squads to NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Ferguson earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Cumberland in 1981. He and his wife, Mary, are the parents of two adult children, both gradutes of the University of Tennessee.

“It took three attempts to get him to Stillwater, and we finally accomplished our goal,” Sutton said. “We pursued him on two other occasions, and at both of those times, we were unable to get him to leave Tennessee.

“Everyone on our staff is really excited about his decision to be a Cowboy.”

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